Chickadee Summer Camp

Chickadee Camp is for our youngest Nature Summer Campers ages 5-6!

Hitchcock Summer Camp is a space where hopeful, creative problem solvers come together to play, shout, build, discover, and create. Chickadee Camp is a partial-day summer program for children ages 5-6 and entering kindergarten or first grade in the fall. For many families, Chickadee Camp serves as a safe and engaging “first outdoor day camp” experience with caring and experienced staff.

Chickadee counselors help create a safe and predictable space so children feel comfortable meeting and trusting new adults and peers. Children connect with the natural world by using their senses, noticing their feelings, sharing observations, and asking questions. 

The Chickadee’s home is the “Nest,” the covered gazebo in the Discovery Yard. Each day of camp, children and counselors spend time building daily routines, learning through play, caring for the space and taking care of each other. Counselors help Chickadees “flock together”, moving from space to space as a group. After Chickadees are accustomed to the Nest and the Discovery Yard, they venture out into the woods for hikes and activities. Through crafts, songs, stories, and stewardship, Hitchcock helps our youngest campers build connections with one another and the natural world.

 A typical Chickadee Camp Day:

8:45 Arrival, Landing activity
9:15 Morning Circle
10:00 Snack
10:30 Outdoor Adventure
11:30 Game
12:00 pm Lunch,  and Story and unstructured play
12:45 Closing Circle
1:00 Pick Up

Registration for Chickadee Summer Camp 2026 is open now!

REGISTER NOW ON ACTIVE

Learn more about Nature Summer Camp overall including registration, fees, financial aid, staff, and more:

HITCHCOCK NATURE SUMMER CAMP PAGE

Chickadee Summer Camp runs through all five sessions of Nature Summer Camp: 

Session 1: June 29 – July 3, 2026 (one week)

Session 2: July 6 – July 17 (two weeks)

Session 3: July 20 – July 24, 2026 (one week)

Session 4: July 27 – Aug 7, 2026 (two weeks)

Session 5: Aug 10 – Aug 14, 2026 (one week)

Here is a breakdown of our 2026 Nature Summer Camp
sessions, dates, and age ranges

Please note, campers can register for a Maximum of 2 sessions per summer. If you register for more than 2 sessions, we will cancel the third (or fourth) session(s) and issue a refund.

What to bring to Chickadee camp, labeled with child’s name:

• Hearty snack and lunch that do not require heating or refrigeration
• Proper footwear. We recommend bringing one pair that can get wet/muddy and one sturdy closed-toe pair for hiking and running. No flip flops, please. 
• Change of clothes: shirt, bottoms, underwear and socks. This can stay at camp throughout the session.
• Rain gear
• Water bottle 
• Backpack that fits and is comfortable to wear
• Hat with brim for sun protection
• Sunscreen and insect repellent (we can only apply what you provide)
• Swim suit and towel for sprinkler play

Questions about Chickadee Camp? Please get in touch with Katie Koerten (katie@hitchcockcenter.org) or  Chrissy Larson (chrissy@hitchcockcenter.org), or call Hitchcock at (413) 256-6006.

Nature Summer Camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local Board of Health.

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